Welsh ministers consider overhaul of £1.4bn M4 project

The Welsh Government is considering an overhaul of the £1.4bn M4 relief road project, it has emerged.

Ministers are deliberating on whether to re-tender the 23km road project, with a decision “to proceed to detailed design and construction anticipated shortly”, according to a pre-information notice (PIN) posted on the OJEU.

The PIN also states that ministers are market testing ways to structure the project to achieve maximum value for public money and minimise risk.

Ministers also are looking at splitting the project into three lots: the highway section from Magor to river Usk, the bridge over the Usk and the highway section from Usk to Castleton.

The M4 relief road project is to relieve congestion on the route which runs north of Newport, which narrows to two lane dual carrigeway at the Brynglas tunnels.

The proposal includes a six-lane stretch of motorway south of Newport and a 440m cable stay bridge across the River Usk as well as major remodelling of junctions 23 and 29 of the M4.

The Welsh Government is now considering a unique proposal for a third bridge over the Menai Strait in Wales featuring a giant statue of an ancient welsh king, but the project is still in consultation with consultants Aecom and Knights with other options to consider.

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